Simple Two-Ingredient Chocolate Snack for Lowering Cholesterol

Combining dark chocolate with another food could help to lower cholesterol levels. Enjoying a chocolate treat occasionally could actually provide some health benefits, with a study suggesting it may help in lowering 'bad' cholesterol levels. Dark chocolate, when combined with another wholesome snack, could help bring down cholesterol levels. The findings of research featured in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicate that eating dark chocolate along with almonds can result in reduced cholesterol levels in as little as four weeks. This particular pairing was found to specifically target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), commonly referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol.

While the human body needs a certain amount of cholesterol for optimal functioning, an overabundance of LDL can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart complications. The study was led by Pennsylvania State University and Tufts University in Boston, involving 48 participants who were overweight or obese, aged between 30 to 70 years. The aim was to investigate the effects of dark chocolate, cocoa, and almonds on coronary heart disease risk factors, which is one of the top causes of mortality worldwide. The study was conducted over several four-week dietary phases.

Having high cholesterol can cause arteries to harden and become narrow. Initially, during the first month, the participants refrained from consuming any of the foods under investigation. In the subsequent four weeks, they began adding daily portions of 42.5 grams of almonds to their regular diet. During the penultimate phase of their research, subjects were asked to eat 43 grams of dark chocolate coupled with 18 grams of cocoa powder. The ultimate trial incorporated a blend of all three snack varieties studied. The research unveiled that eating almonds solo diminished LDL cholesterol by 7%; an identical effect was witnessed when almonds were teamed with dark chocolate. Moreover, the study indicated that sprinkling these chocolaty delights into an ordinary American diet, without upping overall calories, 'may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease'. The study authors said: 'Our results demonstrate that consumption of almonds alone or combined with dark chocolate under controlled‐feeding conditions improves lipid profiles.' Nevertheless, it is key to recognise that this doesn't imply one can indulge in massive amounts of almonds and dark chocolate unchecked. It's vital to exercise moderation due to the calorie-dense nature of these foods.